Apple smart speaker 'HomePod' available on February 9

Previous year at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), the company revealed that there are more than 375 million Siri-enable devices actively being used right now. Not only that, Siri on HomePod will enable users to send messages; set a timer or alarm; search and play a podcast; and give you the news, sport, traffic and weather.

The feature is nearly certainly one that was developed for Apple's smart HomePod speaker, so expect it to appear there when the device launches early next month.

The oldest of the Voice Assistants just grew up with Apple announcing (Finally) the availability of its HomePod speaker with Siri. Both Google Home and Amazon Echo devices have similar features. Tim Cook explained that Apples integration between hardware and software services (and iOS) are what will set the HomePod apart from other speakers that are now available. On Apple's website, the page used to promote the HomePod has been changed to add a "coming later this year" banner for the part that discusses HomePod's multi-room features, and how you can create stereo sound by putting a second HomePod in the same room. Indeed, research from Canalys suggests that smart speaker sales could top 50 million in 2018. At that time, the company planned to launch the device worldwide by December.

Preorders (via Apple) will be available from Saturday the 27th of January, with the speaker available in two colors (White and Space Grey) and priced at an Australian RRP of $499 (incuding GST).

"The HomePod is being positioned more as a competitor to Sonos' high-end wireless speakers than as a competitor to the plethora of affordable smart speakers flooding the market", The Verge reported. It works with your Apple Music subscription and promises to deliver stunning audio quality wherever it is placed.

HomePod support will make it possible to control hundreds of affiliated home accessories such as thermostats, security systems, intelligent lights - you name it.

You can now pick up the very similar Google Home for just £129 in the United Kingdom - which is potentially around a third of the HomePod's final price. It might be possible that voice-activated commands may not be supported, rather you may be able to connect your Apple device to the HomePod and play music that way.

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